This guide will give you an overview of which paddle best suits your needs when you want to take SUP a little more seriously. Starboard is a highly recognized brand in stand up paddling and has for many years been involved in developing and improving equipment for the sport. It's therefore no wonder that they have one of the market's largest selection of paddles, whether it's for SUP surfing, racing or something else.
Today, many shops and webshops have SUP packages with everything you need, but most packages usually include an aluminum paddle. This is an okay choice for the brand new SUP boarder, but for those who want more speed and longer rides, one of the first things you should upgrade to is a lighter paddle made of carbon or wood. Here you can look towards some of Starboard's most popular paddles.
The weight of a paddle has a big impact on how many strokes you can take without getting tired. Likewise, the blade and its type also have a lot to say, as it's the blade that has to catch the water and navigate. Remember to adapt your paddle to your height and activity. There's a big difference between whether you want to use it in waves, on flat water or if you want to take it to a competition. As a general rule, with the paddle upside down, the blade attachment should be at eye level. If you're SUP surfing, you can adjust it downwards and if you're touring, you can raise it slightly.
One of the great alternatives to a standard aluminum pack paddle is the Enduro from Starboard. It's an all-round paddle that's great in waves and flat water. It's very direct and precise because it has four concaves on the underside. It splits the water and cuts through it, making your paddle strokes longer and more controlled. With an angle of 12o, the Enduro series works in many different conditions. It's a perfect angle for cruising and catching waves - making it a great paddle for those who want to be a little more serious about SUP boarding.
The Lima paddle is another great alternative to a heavy aluminum paddle. It's made for touring, but also does really well in race conditions. It grips the water and has excellent propulsion. The Lima paddle has a narrower profile than the Enduro paddle and combined with the deep concave in the middle, it provides a long, smooth paddle stroke.
